Barbara E. Posch's Obituary
Barbara Emma Francis Orfe Posch the first (as she always liked to refer to herself) died peacefully after a short illness in her home surrounded by her family on June 21, 2021. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frederick (Joe) Posch and her parents Robert Sr. and Bertha (Bert) Orfe. She was survived by her children, Barbara Anne McAllister and Joseph Posch, siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Fox (Sunny, deceased), Joan Masterson, Loretta Burgess (Jack, deceased) and Robert (Bobby) Orfe, Jr., her beloved grandchildren Krista Bender (Andrew), Thomas (Tommy) Burke, Courtney Posch and Desiree Wolarik (Josh), her great-grandchildren Andrew, Gracie, Christopher (deceased), Gavin and Layla and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Barbara was born and raised in Riverside, NJ.. She attended St. Peter’s grammar school, and was baptized, married and had her children baptized at St. Peter’s Church. She attended Riverside High School where she was active in clubs (The Future Homemakers club, really mom?), played field hockey, softball and was a basketball star for the Ramettes winning team. After high school she was a Bell Telephone switchboard operator. Coincidentally, she met the love of her life, Joe, when he was repairing a neighbors phone - as he happened to be a Bell Telephone repairmen. After three years of marriage they built a house in Delran, where she lived until her passing.
Over the years she was an Avon representative, which she loved and won many awards. She used her Avon earnings to take her family on memorable yearly camping trips across the United States. Barbara and Joe instilled a love of nature in their family with the camping trips and gardening (that she modeled after her father’s green thumb). She was also a Den mother for the cub scouts and girl scout leader, chaperoning meetings, camping trips, hikes and fun on the Dude Ranch. Barbara loved fishing on the family boat the Bar-Joe, and the beach where she would spend many long lazy days with her children swimming in the ocean, riding the waves and making drip sandcastles. Barbara was devoted to family. She loved the monthly family parties in the earlier years. She was a true matriarch and planned wonderful family holiday gatherings. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren each had a special relationship with her. They knew how much they were loved.
As a lover of adventure, she organized and went on many trips locally and abroad, including white water rafting on the Yougheheney River, bus trips to shows and shopping excursions. As well as other land and sea trips in the United States, Europe, the Panama Canal and Alaska. Her favorite memories of these were of Alaska with her husband (where she tried to approach and pet a Moose!), Budapest and her last cruise which included a tour of Russia. Barbara was a true friend and confidant. Known as a great listener, her kindness and non-judgmental compassion gave comfort to so many. She made friends every where she went. Her current groups of friends included high school pals, for which she helped organize reunions and hung out with, her YWCA swimming buddies, her “red hat” club, her travel friends, etc. She was happy to meet with her game night group, attend regular lunches, and enjoyed her “Happy Hours” at the Towne Tavern. She enjoyed many years as part of the “Smargaes”, the family ladies group that met monthly to play games. (invert the spelling of the group and add the number 7 to determine the true name). Barbara was a devout Catholic , and was active in the Altar Rosary Society and participated in many church functions. Her faith was unwavering , and was crystal clear and a comfort to her loved ones as she left us and continued on her last great adventure
In Lieu of Flowers please consider donating to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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